So, here is my sure fire way to hard boil eggs and have them come out beautiful - every time.
Put eggs in a single layer in a pan and add just enough cold water cover your eggs. (Starting them in cold water will prevent them from cracking).
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the water starts boiling, continue boiling for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and let rest in water for 10-20 minutes (this time always varies for me since most of the time I forget about them!)
Once eggs are cooled you can peel them or stick them in the fridge.
Boiled eggs in the fridge last 4-5 days.
Crack the egg gently on the counter - find the 'weak' spot in the egg. (You will know it because it will indent deeper than any other cracked area. - see picture below.)
This is the area you want to start peeling from.
When you start peeling the egg you will notice a little 'filmy piece' right under the shell- if you take the film off with the shell it makes peeling SO MUCH easier.
I have NO IDEA how to do soft boiled eggs without destroying them. I don't like soft boiled eggs anyway.
A few side notes:
I have never overcooked a hardboiled egg. That is why I don't worry about how long I leave them sitting in the water.
I have undercooked them. (gag!)
Peeling is easier if eggs have fully cooled.
If we are having boiled eggs for breakfast I always try to cook them the night before.
Boiled eggs and Green Machine Smoothies are a match made in heaven.